Hakone Private Day Tour: Mt. Fuji Views, Lake Ashi Cruise, Owakudani & Onsen
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
11 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness — you should be able to walk 9–12 km across mixed terrain and manage stairs without assistance.
Overview
A private, full-day circuit through Hakone that pairs Shinto shrines, volcanic landscapes and a Lake Ashi cruise with the convenience of bullet-train transfers and a choice of museum or onsen. Ideal for travelers seeking Mt. Fuji views, hands-on culture and efficient logistics.
Hakone Private Day Tour: Mt. Fuji Views, Lake Ashi Cruise, Owakudani & Onsen
Select participants and date
The morning begins in a Tokyo hotel lobby with the soft click of suitcase wheels and a guide scanning a list. Within an hour you’re on a Shinkansen hurtling toward Odawara; the city recedes and the mountains lean closer as if converging toward a secret. By late morning a torii gate rises from the dark surface of Lake Ashi — seemingly planted by the water itself — and Mt. Fuji holds court on the horizon when the sky agrees.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Expect 9–12 km of walking
The route covers uneven sidewalks, cedar-flanked lanes and stairs at shrine sites — bring supportive walking shoes and a small daypack.
Mt. Fuji is weather-dependent
Clear skies — especially in late autumn and winter mornings — give the best Fuji views; plan flexible photo stops with your guide.
Onsen rules apply
If you plan to use the public onsen, remove tattoos from view or notify the operator in advance for tattoo-friendly facilities; bathing is gender-separated and nude.
Watch the volcanic fumes
Owakudani emits sulfur gases; people with respiratory issues should limit exposure and stay in designated viewing areas.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Japanese macaque (in higher forested areas)
- Varied birdlife including Japanese bush warbler and kingfishers near streams
History
Hakone’s Old Tokaido route was a vital Edo-period road connecting Tokyo (Edo) to Kyoto; the cedar-lined stretches you walk date to the early 17th century.
Conservation
Hakone balances tourism and conservation through regulated ropeway and viewing platforms; visitors are asked to stay on marked paths and avoid littering to protect fragile volcanic and forest habitats.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Hakone
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Supportive walking shoes
Grip and ankle support are useful on cedar avenues, shrine stairs, and uneven trails.
Layered jacket
Mountain weather changes quickly; layers let you adjust from cool mornings to warmer afternoons.
fall specific
Refillable water bottle
Hydration during the day’s walking is important; there are refilling spots but carry at least 1L.
summer specific
IC transport card or small cash
Useful for minor purchases, snacks, vending machines and local trains not covered by the tour.